Hello live streamers! Looking for a good live streaming software? In this blog, we will tell you about the features, pros, cons, and pricing of the top 10 live streaming software in 2024, handpicked and reviewed by our experts! So, keep reading. Continue reading
Streaming isn’t just “go live on social anymore.” Today, creators, businesses, and broadcasters want real control, monetization, analytics, and branded experiences. That’s why the question “What is the best live streaming software?” doesn’t have a single answer — it depends on what you’re building.
Today businesses want more control in terms of monetization, branding, low latency, scalable infrastructure, and audience ownership.
Below we have shared a head-to-head comparison of the best live streaming software platforms, real user ratings from G2 and Capterra, practical advice about when to use each, and clear guidance on how to choose.
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This is not a random list that rearranges some vendor marketing copy. To build something that genuinely answers search intent for “best live streaming software”, we scored tools on real criteria that end-users care about. To make this comparison genuinely useful, each live streaming platform was evaluated based on three things:
A live streaming software is a tool that allows you to capture what’s happening on your computer screen, or shoot a video using a camera, and then broadcast it live to an online audience in real-time. Think of it like hosting a live TV show, but directly from your computer or mobile device—whether you are broadcasting a corporate town hall, a gaming session, or need to live stream funerals for remote family members!
If you are interested to know how it actually operates, here’s a breakdown of the technical process behind live-streaming software.
Read More: What is Live Streaming? How Live Streaming Technology Works?
Depending on the changing demands of the live streaming industry, features like monetization, content protection, and live chat are amongst the most desired features for any live streaming software. Let’s take you through some of the most important and trending features that every good live streaming software must have.
If you are investing your time and efforts into a live stream, you must be able to generate revenues from it! That is why, live streaming monetization is undoubtedly one of the most needed features for any live streaming software.
Many live streaming platforms let you insert ads into your live videos. Some of the best streaming software even lets you add a paywall to your live videos.
A built-in CDN lets you deliver your videos anywhere across the globe. Also, it helps you attain amazing scalability, as it does not crash easily under high concurrent viewership of your live streams. Thus, your viewers can always experience smooth and buffer-free live videos.
Every live stream must pass through an encoder, as it converts your raw feed into stream-ready feed. If your live streaming software already has a built-in live streaming encoder and transcoder, you won’t have to download any additional encoders. Hence, it will make things easier for you!
Content security and piracy prevention are of paramount importance nowadays. The best live streaming software must offer built-in multi-DRM so that your live videos are encrypted and screen recording can be prevented.
The best live streaming software allows you to record your live streams so that you can publish them as VoD content later. Also, the same technology can be applied for DVR-enabled live play, where your viewers can pause, rewind, and replay any section of your live videos in real-time.
Audience engagement features like live chat help you interact with your audience, know about their feedback, and make long-term relationships with your audience. It is one of the most desirable live streaming features in recent times.
Before choosing a live streaming software, you need to consider multiple factors like its pricing, stability, scalability, security aspects, and more! Let’s discuss some of these factors in detail.
Pricing is an important factor as you want to generate a healthy ROI from your live streaming business. Nowadays, the subscription fee for live-streaming software starts from as low as US $20. But you will also have to carefully check the features that you would want.
Usually, cheaper platforms do not offer good security features, leading to piracy. But if you go a bit higher in the budget, you will get very good enterprise grade live streaming platform for around US $100.
And the best live streaming platform like Muvi Live will let you try the platform for FREE for a few weeks, with access to all the features.
You need to verify the performance metrics of the live streaming platform before you choose one. Also, you need to make sure that the streaming software remains stable and does not crash out often. The best way to do so is to try the software for Free before buying the subscription or making any payment.
As your live-streaming business grows, your concurrent viewership will also grow. So, a streaming server that can handle a limited number of viewers might not be suitable for you at a later stage of business. Hence, it’s better to choose scalable live streaming software from the beginning.
Make sure that the live streaming software offers security features like multi-DRM, watermarking, geo-blocking, and others. This will help you avoid unwanted viewers.
Many live streamers now use their mobile devices to live stream on the go. But very few live streaming software have built-in tools and setups for mobile live streaming, and even fewer have a well-built mobile live streaming app. So, if you want to live stream from mobile devices, verify it beforehand.
Many live streamers live stream on multiple platforms simultaneously, including social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and others. So, before choosing the live streaming software, make sure that you can integrate all your favorite social media platforms with it.
When it comes to delivering high-quality live streams, encoders play a central role in the workflow. They convert your raw video input into a compressed digital format suitable for streaming over the internet. The two primary types of encoders available are software encoders and hardware encoders.
Both have their unique advantages and are suited for different types of streamers depending on their goals, budgets, technical proficiency, and operational needs. Here’s a break down what each of them does and how to choose the right one for your use case.
A software encoder is an application installed on your computer that uses your system’s CPU/GPU to encode video. Common examples include OBS Studio, vMix, Wirecast and XSplit.
Software encoders are highly configurable and often come with built-in mixing, transitions, overlays, and audio control features, making them ideal for content creators, small studios, and remote streamers.
A hardware encoder is a physical device built to handle video encoding. These devices often have their own processing chips and I/O ports and are designed for maximum reliability and performance. Popular hardware encoders include Teradek Vidiu, Magewell Ultra Stream, LiveU Solo, Epiphan Pearl Mini.
Hardware encoders are used in professional settings like sports broadcasting, news production, high-end corporate events, and live concerts—where performance, reliability, and minimal latency are non-negotiable.
Feature | Software Encoder | Hardware Encoder |
Device Type | Lower (free & paid options) | Higher (dedicated hardware) |
Cost | Moderate; requires installation, config, and updates | Plug-and-play; minimal setup |
Performance | Depends on system specs (CPU/GPU) | Dedicated hardware = consistent performance |
Portability | Requires Laptop or PC | Highly portable and compact |
Latency | Slightly higher due to software processing | Low latency; optimized for real-time streaming |
Encoding Quality | High (with good hardware) | Superior, especially for 1080p/4K streaming |
Ideal for | Podcasters, content creators, eLearning, churches, small studios | Broadcasters, news channels, high-profile events, mobile studios |
Scalability | Limited by system performance | Easily scalable with multiple units or cloud workflows |
Below are current ratings from G2 and Capterra — two of the most trusted review platforms in SaaS.
Live Streaming Software Platform | G2 Avg | Capterra Avg | USP |
Muvi Live | 4.6 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 | Strong in-built features, support, paywall |
OBS Studio | 4.5 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | Free & powerful, steep learning curve |
Restream | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 | Multistreaming |
vMix | 4.3 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | Professional studio tool |
Wirecast | 4.3 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 | Broadcast switcher |
Wowza | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | Flexible platform |
100ms | 4.8 / 5 | N/A | Ultra-low latency tech |
Livestream by Vimeo | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 | Event streaming |
Castr | 4.8 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | Practical multistream tool |
Brightcove | 4.0 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 | Enterprise broadcast |
⭐ 4.6 / 5 on G2
⭐ 4.7 / 5 on Capterra
What users love:
Common praise from reviews:
“Muvi gave us everything — live + VOD + apps — without patching multiple tools.” — G2 reviewer
“Support was responsive and helpful even during launch week.” — Capterra reviewer
Where users note room for improvement:
Best for: Video Streaming Businesses, OTT platforms, Enterprises
⭐ 4.5 / 5 on G2
⭐ 4.7 / 5 on Capterra
What users love:
User Reviews:
“Customizable scene layouts and plugin ecosystem are incredible.” — G2 user
Common complaints:
Best for: Streamers, gamers, production hobbyists
⭐ 4.3 on G2
⭐ 4.6 on Capterra
What users love:
Common praise:
“Great for social reach without paying for multiple broadcasts.” — G2 reviewer
Limitations users mention:
Best for: Social multistreaming
⭐ 4.5 on G2
⭐ 4.7 on Capterra
What users love:
Common praise:
“Studio-like control at a fraction of the cost.” — G2 reviewer
Challenges noted:
Best for: Broadcasters, studios
⭐ 4.3 on G2
⭐ 4.4 on Capterra
What users love:
User quotes:
“Reliable switcher for live events.” — G2 reviewer
“Good balance of features without complexity.” — Capterra reviewer
Where users wanted more:
Best for: Production teams and events
⭐ 4.5 / 5 on G2
⭐ 4.3 / 5 on Capterra
What users love:
Common praise:
“Highly dependable streaming engine.” — G2 reviewer
Complaints:
Best for: Dev teams and custom workflows
⭐ 4.8 on G2
What users love:
Common praise:
“Latency is unmatched for live interactive apps.” — G2 reviewer
Limitations:
Best for: Interactive apps, real-time conferencing
⭐ 4.3 on G2
⭐ 4.6 on Capterra
What users love:
User quotes:
“Great for client event broadcasts.” — G2 reviewer
“Simple and reliable.” — Capterra reviewer
Limitations:
Best for: Events, conferences
⭐ 4.8 on G2
⭐ 4.7 on Capterra
What users love:
User praise:
“Good value for multistreaming.” — G2 reviewer
“Easy setup and distribution.” — Capterra reviewer
Where people say it’s limited:
Best for: Scheduled multistream publishing
⭐ 4.0 on G2
⭐ 4.2 on Capterra
What users love:
Common praise:
“Great for global broadcasts and internal streaming.” — G2 reviewer
“Solid corporate tool.” — Capterra reviewer
Where users found limitations:
Best for: Enterprises and media companies
If you want to build a fully featured streaming business → Tilt toward Muvi Live or Brightcove (monetization + audience ownership).
If you’re a creator or gamer → OBS + Restream.
If you need production control → vMix or Wirecast.
If you’re building real-time interactive apps → 100ms.
If you want Enterprise reliability & analytics → Brightcove or Wowza.
If your goal goes beyond simply “going live” and you’re looking to build a real streaming business, Muvi Live would be the perfect option for you. Unlike creator or distribution-only tools, Muvi Live combines live streaming with built-in monetization, audience management, and white-label delivery across web, mobile, and TV apps. This means you’re not just broadcasting content — you’re owning the platform, the subscriber relationship, and the revenue model. For businesses, educators, event organizers, and OTT operators who want to launch once and scale without stitching together multiple tools, Muvi Live offers a more future-proof foundation.
And the best thing is, you don’t need to pay anything to get started, as they offer a FREE trial of 14 days. Isn’t it cool! So, why wait? Sign up to get started with Muvi Live.
If you consider advanced features, monetization, and ease of use, Muvi Live is currently the best live streaming software. Muvi’s live streaming solution has been recognized as a high performer in G2 summer reports too.
If you apply a paywall on Muvi Live, you can earn up to 10 times more than YouTube Live, because they will keep only 10% of your revenues, and pay you back 90% of the revenue. Hence, if you are looking to monetize your live feed, Muvi Live is definitely the most profitable live streaming platform.
Top streamers, or large-scale live streamers who broadcast live to millions of viewers, often search for reliable and scalable live streaming platforms with good monetization options. Muvi Live is the perfect choice for such streamers as it offers built-in CDN for scalability, built-in multi-DRM for security and anti-piracy, and multiple monetization options including ads and paywall.
A live streaming software is a tool that allows you to broadcast a video live to an online audience in real time.
Some of the important features of good live streaming software are:
Monetization models help you collect revenue from your live stream, hence fuelling your business growth and increasing ROI.
Yes, live streaming platforms like Muvi Live let you live stream directly from your mobile phone using their Muvi Live mobile app.
Make sure that the live streaming software you are using offers your built-in Multi-DRM security.
Written by: Sreejata Basu
Sreejata is the Manager for Muvi’s Content Marketing unit. She is a passionate writer with a background in English Literature and music. By week Sreejata spends her time in the corporate world of Muvi, but on weekends she likes to take short hiking trips, watch movies and read interesting travelogues.
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